Colin: The Walden Coven, #1

By C.K. Noel

Leaving Walden to escape the sight of his beloved imp in his rival's arms changes Colin's life forever.

 

Visiting his cousin was an excuse to get away from the strain of seeing his beloved with someone else. Colin never dreamed that he'd wind up saving a plump human's life… or that the human would also be his beloved. He saves the human, Reggie, but knows their lives will never be complete without his imp, Zander.

 

When he learns Zander's been attacked and nearly died, he brings Reggie back to Walden.

 

When Reggie learns Colin's a vampire, he runs away right into Zander's room. The two discover they share a connection. Reggie and Colin are beloveds. Zander and Colin are beloveds… But after being hurt by a vampire, can Zander ever trust Colin—or any other vampire—ever again? Perhaps the three are fated beloveds… or maybe fate's playing a cruel game.

 

**Can be read as a standalone, but is better if read after reading The High Garden Dragon Series
*** See triggers inside the book

• Language: English
• Publisher: High Garden Publishing
• Release date: Feb 11, 2024
• ISBN: 9798224524778

Book preview

Colin

The Walden Coven 1

C.K. Noel

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High Garden Publishing

Copyright © 2023 by C.K. Noel

All rights reserved.

No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods, without the prior written permission of the publisher, except as permitted by U.S. copyright law. For permission requests, contact www.highgardenpublishing.com

The story, all names, characters, and incidents portrayed in this production are fictitious. No identification with actual persons (living or deceased), places, buildings, and products is intended or should be inferred.

WARNING: The unauthorized reproduction or distribution of this copyrighted work is illegal. Criminal copyright infringement, including infringement without monetary gain, is investigated by the FBI and is punishable by up to 5 years in federal prison and a fine of $250,000.

Book Cover by OliviaProDesigns

PUBLISHER

High Garden Publishing

www.cknoel.com

Note from the author

Dear Readers,

Thank you for selecting this book. It's a story close to my heart, and I hope it offers you an enriching experience.

I believe in offering transparency about the narrative's content. While this story does not delve into explicit details, the protagonist does recount personal experiences that touch on some sensitive topics. I've approached these moments with care, aiming to respect the gravity they hold while keeping the narrative authentic.

Mention of: Domestic abuse, self-harm, and sexual assault.

This note is intended to inform, not deter. Whether you choose to continue reading or decide to step away, know that your comfort and well-being are of the utmost importance to me. I appreciate your understanding and your consideration of my work, whatever your decision.

Warmly,

C.K. Noel

Contents

1.Chapter One

2.Chapter Two

3.Chapter Three

4.Chapter Four

5.Chapter Five

6.Chapter Six

7.Chapter Seven

8.Chapter Eight

9.Chapter Nine

10.Chapter Ten

11.Chapter Eleven

12.Chapter Twelve

13.Chapter Thirteen

14.Chapter Fourteen

15.Chapter Fifteen

16.Chapter Sixteen

17.Chapter Seventeen

18.Chapter Eighteen

About The Author

Books By C.K. Noel

Chapter One

Colin

The migraines were getting worse, and there was nothing I could do to eliminate them. There is one way. I growled at the thought. My head throbbed, each pulse was like a hammer driving nails into my skull. I clenched my fists and my nails dug into my palms as I tried to bear the intensifying migraine.

There’s a way to end this. The thought came again.

"There's no chance of that happening, so get it out of your head, Colin. I’ll just have to manage them," I whispered to myself.

Squinting, I slowly opened my eyes and scanned my living room. I groaned as another wave of pain went through me. It wasn't just my head that was aching. It was my entire body. The dim room was a relief. For once, I was thankful I'd remembered to turn off the lights before laying down to rest. I knew I couldn't handle bright lights in my current state.

With trembling legs and a few failed attempts, I finally managed to get to my feet. I needed to get blood in me. Being a vampire, I needed blood and food to survive. It wasn’t like the movies where we just survived off blood. In fact, the only thing Hollywood got right about vampires was our need to feed on blood. Everything else: going out in the sun, garlic, holy water—all myths.

I groaned at the throbbing pain in my head. I could quickly run down to my coven's club and find a willing body, but the thought of taking a donor made my stomach curdle. My heart, my soul, my entire being yearned for a certain little green-haired imp. Four weeks—it was four weeks since I laid eyes on him, but I remembered it like it was yesterday.

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Hey, Colin, you have to come down to the dining hall.

I shook my head and lifted my gaze from my computer. My friend and fellow coven enforcer, Jett, stood at my office door. He was built like most enforcers, six-two and two hundred pounds of muscle. He was dressed in the classic, black custom-tailored suits all enforcers wore. Jett called us the men in black. I laughed when he said it.

He'd get all serious and say, Jett Black, with the men in black. Many thought he was joking with his last name, but his mom had a crazy sense of humor and named him Jett specifically because their surname was Black. It just so happened to suit him because Jett had dark features, coal eyes, and ebony hair.

I've got a lot of work to do, Jett. I'm not on cooking duties tonight, I said.

Like most of the coven, Jett was constantly nagging me to cook. I was considered the best chef in the building; everyone enjoyed my meals and I enjoyed making them. I spent my early days studying at Le Cordon Bleu in Paris. That was over a hundred years ago now. Those were the more leisurely days. I was twenty, carefree, and thought I could conquer the world. I grinned at my memories.

Jett crossed his built arms over his broad chest and scowled. As much as I'd love your cooking, that's not why. The dragon king is here, along with his mate Ben, and they brought a bunch of elves. They're sexy as hell. Oh, and your hot dragon pal, Dimitri, is here.

I brightened at the words. Dimitri had gone AWOL after the dragon king forbade him from bonding with his mate. Word was he disobeyed the king and did it anyway. If he was here, it must've worked out. I hurriedly saved my work and jumped from my seat.

Jett chuckled. I thought that might get you going.

It's been a while since I heard anything from them. I hoped Dimitri was doing okay, I replied, walking out the door.

I'm sure that's the only reason, and it wouldn't have to do with any of the Fae that showed up. I hear their blood tastes like fine wine.

Jett clapped my shoulder and guided me down the hall toward the hotel elevators. The Walden Coven resided in a massive hotel, and the bottom eight floors were for guests, while the top seven were for coven living quarters and amenities. It was the perfect setup with the downstairs club. I didn’t have to bring back unsuspecting humans to a secluded estate as I did with my birth coven in France.

That might be the case, I said, grinning.

In truth, I'd been feeling off lately. Human blood hadn't been tasting right. Maybe my tastes were changing, or maybe it was because all my friends had started finding their beloveds. Hopefully, elf blood could get me out of the funk I'd been feeling.

The dining hall was a flurry of activity by the time Jett and I reached it. There were a slew of new faces mixed in with many familiar ones. My stomach churned in anticipation, and the air felt electrifying. I glanced over at Jett, and his face was lit brightly, like a kid on Christmas morning.

I'm going to mingle. I'll catch you later, Jett said, already eyeing one of the newcomers.

I nodded and scanned the area; my eyes landed on Dimitri. He was with the mystery mage, Gavin, whom he'd confessed was his mate. Our friend, Aaran, another dragon shifter, and Aaran’s mate, the doctor, Adam, were seated with them. I moved across the room with purpose. I'd check in with Dimitri. Then I'd mingle like Jett.

I hope you like the lasagna. The coven is famous for it. Which I find hilarious. I heard Dimitri say as I approached their table.

Aaran rolled his eyes while Adam and Gavin’s expressions furrowed in confusion.

The sauce has a ton of garlic, Dimitri continued, raising his eyebrows like that explained it all.

Gavin and Adam appeared even more confused. I, like Aaran, rolled my eyes. I'd heard this joke before. It wasn't funny when Dimitri first said it.

Your mate is being a dork. He's saying because we're vampires, we shouldn't eat garlic, I said from behind them.

Gavin turned and studied me while Dimitri stood from his seat. He smiled, walked over, and gave me a quick one-armed hug before saying, It's good to see you, Colin. This is my mate, Gavin. Gavin, this is my friend, Colin.

Gavin rose from his seat and extended his hand. It's nice to meet you. Dimitri has told me about you.

I smiled and clasped his offered hand. I hope it was all good stuff.

He told me you were an awesome cook and were a good friend. Gavin laughed.

Of course, he would mention my cooking. I—

My words trailed off as an alluring scent, impossible to resist, wrapped around me. I couldn't stop my visceral reaction. My fangs descended and my vision changed to infrared as I hunted for the source. I needed to find it; I had to have it. It was the fragrance of my beloved.

My heart seemed to freeze; my gaze fixated on the slight figure with a unique shade of blue skin. I wanted to rush over and snatch him from the embrace of my enemy. He didn't belong with him.

I sucked in a sob, hoping to hold back the tears I’d fought. No! This couldn't be happening. Not Daren. Anyone but Daren.

Colin, you alright? Dimitri asked.

I squeezed my eyes shut and shook my head. Taking several deep breaths, I forced myself to calm down before raising my head and opening my eyes. A crushing weight settled on my chest. My heart was breaking. My beloved had his tongue down the throat of the man who tortured me.

Colin? Dimitri asked again.

I'm fine. I... I have to go, I said.

I needed to be out of there. Without a second thought, I darted from the room, tapping into the supernatural swiftness of my kind.

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Fucking hell, I yelled, nearly tripping and stubbing my toe as I headed into my kitchen.

The haunting memory played like a relentless loop; each replay more agonizing than the last. It plagued my thoughts day and night, and I couldn't shake it. Opening the fridge, I frowned. I only had one more bag of blood. I'd have to make a trip to see Dr. Rand for more.

I reached in to grab crimson liquid but paused at the sound of knocking on my door. I cringed. Merde,